[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 32, Number 46 (Monday, November 18, 1996)]
[Pages 2377-2378]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 6953--National Family Caregivers Week, 1996

November 11, 1996

By the President of the United States

of America

A Proclamation

    At this special time each year, we give thanks for our many 
blessings. Among those blessings are the quiet but heartfelt 
contributions made on a daily basis by our Nation's caregivers, 
particularly on behalf of the elderly in our society.
    The true value of the role that caregivers play in the lives of 
America's families is immeasurable. Providing physical comfort and 
emotional reassurance, these strong and selfless people care for loved 
ones who can no longer care for themselves. The vast majority of 
caregivers are family members--often older relatives--and women provide 
most of the informal care that their families receive. Of the millions 
of people who provide informal care to older adults, over half are 
spouses

[[Page 2378]]

or children. While many caregivers experience stress and frustration in 
fulfilling their caregiving responsibilities, and many sacrifice 
personal opportunities to care for a loved one, most regard the 
challenges of caregiving as a rewarding and satisfying experience.
    By the year 2030, one in five Americans will be at least 65 years 
old, compared to one in eight today. In addition, the number of older 
Americans will double, from the present 34 million to about 69 million. 
At the same time that our population is aging, more older persons are 
suffering from chronic illnesses and face potentially disabling 
conditions. Moreover, individuals with lifelong disabilities are living 
longer and may require assistance in caring for themselves as they age. 
The overwhelming majority of older Americans would prefer to remain in 
their homes while growing older--even when no coordinated system of 
home- and community-based care is available. As a result, more Americans 
are becoming involved in caring for family members who want to age with 
dignity and respect.
    This week, as we celebrate the contributions of caregivers to their 
families and communities, let us recognize the challenges these generous 
individuals must confront on a daily basis--challenges that include 
fulfilling multiple and often conflicting roles of caregiving for their 
aging relatives, caring for young children, and working outside their 
homes. Let us promote community programs and encourage workplace 
policies that help to lighten or share the burden of their caregiving 
responsibilities. And let us, as a Nation, recognize and commend the 
vital role they play in ensuring that older Americans age with grace, 
dignity, and a precious measure of independence.
    Now, Therefore, I, William J. Clinton, President of the United 
States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the 
Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim November 
24 through November 30, 1996, as National Family Caregivers Week. I call 
upon Government officials, businesses, communities, volunteers, 
educators, and all the people of the United States to acknowledge the 
contributions made by caregivers this week and throughout the year.
    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this eleventh day of 
November, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety-six, and 
of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and 
twenty-first.
                                            William J. Clinton

[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., November 13, 
1996]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on 
November 14.